LOL

What Does LOL Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

LOL means "Laughing Out Loud."

More Observations...

LOL (more often typed and spoken as "lol") is probably the oldest abbreviation used to express amusement. It emerged with the advent of online communication and has become emblematic of the digital era. Initially found in early internet chat rooms and text messages, LOL served as a succinct way to convey amusement or laughter in text form. Over time, it transcended its origins, becoming ubiquitous across various platforms including social media, texting, and instant messaging. The usage of LOL has expanded and evolved; it can denote genuine laughter, mild amusement, or even be used sarcastically or ironically. Although now often sneered at, the enduring appeal of LOL lies in its ability to succinctly convey a universal human expression within the evolving digital communication landscape. Through iterations like "lolz" and "lulz," LOL continues to reflect changing online linguistic trends while retaining its recognizable meaning and utility. For a detailed look at this enduring abbreviation, check out our page dedicated to LOL.

Image for LOL

When I write LOL, I mean this:

LOL refuses to die!

Summary of Key Points

"Laughing Out Loud" is, by far, the most common meaning for LOL when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

LOL
Definition:	Laughing Out Loud
Type:	Acronym and Abbreviation
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

An Academic Look at LOL

LOL is both an initialism abbreviation and an acronym. It is an initialism because it can be pronounced one letter at a time, but it is also an acronym, as it is formed by taking the initial letters of the words "Laughing Out Loud" and pronouncing them together as a single word, "lol." Other examples of acronyms are:

NASA - "National Aeronautics and Space Administration."
UNICEF - "United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund."

Acronyms are often used as shorthand in many professional fields, such as technology, business, medicine, and government, as well as in general chat. They can help save time and space when communicating, especially when talking about complex or technical information. Other examples of initialism abbreviations are: